Beyerdynamic MC 930

Microphone Type: Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 40Hz-20kHz
Max SPL: 125 dB (140 dB w/Pad)
Output Impedance: 180 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio: 71 dB
Self Noise: 16 dB
Low Cut Filter: 250 Hz
Pad: 15 dB
Includes case, shockmount and windscreen

OVERALL OPINION

This is the first Beyerdynamic microphone I've ever used. Having used their headphones before, and being impressed by the comfort, but not necessarily the sound (for mixing), I didn't have too high of hopes for these mics coming in.

Boy, was I wrong!

These mics sound absolutely GORGEOUS! Through a Universal Audio 2-610, these were, by far, the best sounding drum overheads I've heard in this price range (and significantly higher). The shimmering highs really bring out the character and glassiness of high end cymbals. Even in a completely untreated room, these mics made my Oktava MK012s sound like a Behringer mic into a $50 interface. The difference was THAT big.

An utterly stunning amount of clarity out of these mics. The detail it truly insane for the price. I had previously made up my mind on buying a pair of Neumann KM184s, but on recommendation from a friend, I tried these first. Glad I did, these things sound BETTER than the Neumanns, for significantly cheaper.

Truly a dark-horse in mics. I'm surprised these haven't gotten more attention, because they're simply fantastic! People have asked me before what I use for overheads and simply written them off, because they've never heard the name; then I show them the results, and they quickly become converts!

Transducer type: Condenser Operating principle: Pressure gradient Polar Pattern: Cardioid Frequency Response: 40-20.000Hz efficiency in open field: 30mV/Pa max SPL: 125dB max SPL with pre-attenuation: 140 dB Impedance: 180 Ohms S / N Ratio: 71dB SPL A-weighted: 16 dB (A) low attenuation: switchable 6 dB / octave at 250 Hz Power supply: 11-52 V Phantom Power consumption: 4.6 mA Dimensions: length 128 mm , diameter 21 mm Weight: 115 g

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?

Since yesterday. I know this is not long, but I'm already a fan.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?

No. I have a microphone for voice (a Samson G-Track, which I feel will stay in my drawer from now on ...) and a micro Shadow on my cello (that no longer serve either). The MC 930 and sprayed them both.

What is so special that you like most and least?

A neutral sound, warm, rich, accurate. That's exactly what I wanted. It does not flatter the singer or musician, your sins will be returned as you have played.

The characteristic I like least ... my lack of experience perhaps? In fact, the sound is so dependent on the placement of the microphone, the sound of the room, and especially the experience and quality of the musician in any case, it is impossible to judge without having tried everything ... And it's far from the case for now ...

You can listen to my MP3 I added two in the "media". It recorded an acoustic guitar in my living room in a hurry. I'm not a guitarist, I do not sound engineer, and my guitar is worth € 100 ... The first file is stored in XY position at 25-30cm of the guitar. The second file is saved position ORTF (the sound is wider, it feels).
I play as a foot so do not pay too much attention!

How would you rate the quality / price?

666 euros for a stereo pair, when one considers that the KM184 costs almost twice ... frankly it's a deal!

With experience, you do again this choice?

I will complete this probably again!

Versatile cardioid microphone. Very very effective sound speed (guitars, percussion, vocals also). -15db pad and low cut. 2 mics paired books in their suitcase with all the aftermarket accessories. No bar supplied stereo though. Very high quality workmanship. Pickups xtrmement silent. Testing the era with a Apogee Duet, I took a big blow. This association may receive mini mobile structure is so efficient.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for a year on all kinds of sources (bagpipes, guitar, violin, vocals, djembe cajon ... etc.) both in the studio or live, their record is very impressive. Frankly it's the big leagues for a reasonable price (no data comparing their quality but I found the price very good). It's very simple, I Whereas it is my best investment microphone. The only criticism is that the mini transients are fast enough, so such tests were not overhead battery does make sense. A good tape or my cad M179 performs better on this type of application. For everything else, the DEFINITIONS across the spectrum is exemplary, low-medium rather very musical. The feeling that the drums breathe for example, very large leeway before clipping in short, a must in its category (not alone of course, but in the top 3 Sr. and certain).

Edit fvrier 2011: over 2 years now is always the top. And finally overhead battery, it works great. It is no longer I who had not measured their full potential. My CAD M179 is excellent but not much comes out of his suitcase. Their sound has a real personality. Ar soft and with a superb DEFINITIONS. Class. And they find very good prices at present (800 and pay the banana era today against 650).